Book Nook

What are the names of some of the pancakes? And where did the recipes come from?Ladybug Pancake, Kooky Pancake, Flying Saucer pancake, Star pancake, Money Pancake. There are 12 in all, each with a fun rhyming description. There is a main batter, my own, and each recipe comes with different instructions--some require food coloring and putting the batter into squeeze bottles.​​

What makes this book different from other educational math learning books.This is an open ended learning tool. Because the kids get to play with it and choose what they want to order, the children tend to be more invested in finding out what their order total is and working with the money.

What aspect of the book do kids seem to enjoy the most?It really varies from kid to kid. I've had some just love to play with it, but I've had other children beg their parents to get it for them so they can actually make the pancakes.

What grade levels can use this book? And which common core standards does it address?It is mainly for later 2nd grade through early 5th grade according to the common core standards, but there are a few ways Kinder and 1st grades can use it too. I have a description of all the Common Core Alignment, here, on my website:

Why did you decide to self-publish?For years of waiting and being passed on, I decided if no other publishing house publishes a book like mine, I'll have to have my own company do it.

Can you describe the process of using kick starter as a means for funding your children’s book?The process was pretty simple... Make a video, tell everyone you know, and reach out to those you think it would apply to. It does take time, planning, and all of that, but in the end, I'm happy I did it. Fulfillment was a bit challenging--trying to get all the orders out quickly, once the book came in.

How did you make decisions on art and the design of the book.Well, I ended up doing it myself using free design software called GIMP. I had been using it a bit as I began blogging, but I learned a lot more as I worked on completing the book.

What did you learn the first time around that will make it easier for your next book?Feels like everything! I think I did a pretty good job the first go, so now I just need to make sure I do all the steps correctly again.

Which job is more challenging, educator or author?They both have their pros and cons. I'd say that an educator is an extremely demanding job, but it's extremely rewarding too. As an author there is much more rejection involved in the publishing process, but I've learned a lot too. It's a toss up on which one is more challenging!

In your video, you mention it is first in a series. What’s next?I'm working on the Pizza Menu and the Sundae Menu to be the 2nd and 3rd books. I can't wait to share them with the world.

To learn more about Lucy Ravitch and her books go to herwebsiteor Amazon.